What is a chimney liner? Do I really need one?
In new build, Building Regulations require the installation of suitable Class 1 liners in a masonry chimney. These are usually composed either of clay, refractory concrete or pumice. Before installing a stove into an existing unlined chimney, it should be inspected by a Competent Person to determine whether it is safe to use without a liner. Older chimneys generally require lining and insulating, and the material used should be appropriate for the appliance being fitted. It is for instance both dangerous and illegal to connect a light duty flexible gas liner to a solid fuel appliance. The appropriate diameter liner should also be used, both to achieve the correct chimney draught, and to ensure that all the products of combustion are safely evacuated. The material most commonly used for retrospective lining is stainless steel. Where an existing flue is perfectly straight, rigid sections of fluepipe can be used: but where there are bends in the brick flue, a flexible liner is usually mor
